Chapter 5: Scolded

Mabel's POV

The next day I dressed up for work and went downstairs.

Recalling last night's incident, what pained me more was Landon's attitude towards me.

The driver took Nora and me back to the Villa. Landon didn't show up and I was glad.

I just couldn't stand him.

“Good morning, my lady; breakfast is ready.” The voice was unfamiliar.

Then I saw her, a middle-aged woman wearing an apron over her gown.

She noticed my confused countenance and clarified, “I'm Belinda, the housekeeper; I took the day off yesterday.”

“Oh,” that's all I managed to say.

Looking around, I couldn't see Nora, then I asked, “Where is Nora?”

“Over here!” She squealed like a kid from the kitchen, waving her hands as she approached us.

“I see you've met Belina.”

“Yeah,” I said casually and made to walk past her.

“You look like you didn't sleep a wink last night. Is everything alright?” Belinda asked with concern.

I was too upset to have a good sleep.

“It's probably all the stress.” I reached the table and picked a meatball. It tasted so good that I got tempted to sit but I was almost late for work.

“Is it to your liking?” Belinda asked slightly nervous.

“Yes, too bad I can't dig in right now.”

“Why not?” She pressed.

“I'm almost late for work.”

“In that case, I should pack some food for you.” She suggested.

“No need, please.” There was no point, I wouldn't eat it anyway.

It's a habit of mine, no matter how hungry I was, I would only eat once I got home.

With that, I walked hastily out of the door.

I got into the car and gave the driver the address, but I was shocked by his reply.

“I have orders not to take you anywhere; I'm sorry, ma'am.”

I furrowed a brow. “Whose orders?”

I questioned even though I knew deep down it was that Jerk!

“President Ferguson's orders.” He confirmed my suspicion.

“I see.” I got down from the car and slammed the car door so hard that it could come off. The force made the driver flinch.

I leaned towards the window and signaled for the driver to roll down the glass and he did,

“When you see him, you can tell him to shove it up his ass.” he stared at me in utmost disbelief.

Landon was surely getting on my nerves, as if yesterday's humiliation wasn't enough, now this.

This is so petty and immature!

Well, to hell with him and his car!

I practiced my breathing technique, it has always helped me maintain my composure. There's no way I was letting this jerk get under my skin!

I stood by the side of the road and waited for about 10 minutes without seeing a single commercial vehicle.

I was getting more impatient. I knew I was already late. This is so frustrating.

Then I remembered that I could just order an Uber. Luckily my ride was only 5 minutes away.

*****

I arrived at my workplace and scurried to the building.

I stopped at the reception to sign in then

I went straight to my department. The workspace I shared with my colleagues was separated by low-walled cubicles. I went to my desk to drop my things.

“I thought you were going to ditch today as well,” Dylan commented; he spun around his space with his chair.

“Is he in?” I asked. I was more worried about how to face my supervisor. He liked yelling even when there wasn't a need to. No one knows his problem.

“Yeah, he asked of you just a few moments ago. I covered for you yesterday, that was the agreement. You were supposed to be here earlier.” He shrugged.

“Shit!” I cursed under my breath. This is all because of that massive jerk, Landon!

“Where did you go? And why didn't you tell me you were moving out?” Dylan had been my friend since childhood and we both secured a job at the broadcasting company. We've had each other's backs ever since.

I felt bad for not telling him, not like I didn't want to, but I didn't trust his mouth. He talks too much.

“Your aunt slammed the door in my face when I came over to your place to get the hard drive, I almost lost a toe!” he lifted his leg so I could see it from my cubicle.

“Then I heard from the neighbors that you moved out! I thought we were friends! The neighbors knew but I didn't!” He blinked his eyes rapidly. He was being too dramatic.

We were both startled by a loud voice.

“Mabel Hawkins!” I flinched. “My office, now!” The loud voice thundered. I looked up to see my supervisor just outside his office, his hands on the railings.

“Yes, Mr Fredd.”

I smiled apologetically.

“Looks like you're in some deep shit.” Dylan mocked.

On my way out I picked up a pile of files from his desk and dumped it on his head.

“Ouch! What the hell was that for?” He lamented. “You ungrateful child!” He whined childishly.

I knocked on the door and waited for an invitation to go in. When I didn't get a response, I knocked again.

“Do you intend to uproot the door?” He barked from inside.

“Sorry, Mr Fredd” I apologized and stepped in.

He was pacing around his office with both hands on his waist. I was already used to him so none of that bothered me.

“Do you want me to be fired?” He stopped in front of me. “Do you want to take my position?” I stared at him in confusion.

“Don't stare at me like you didn't get the email!” His hands flew up in frustration.

I didn't check my emails; I didn't have the time to; yesterday was a busy day for me.

I quickly pulled out my phone to check.

“What? You're just checking now??”

I saw the mail.

I was supposed to attend a press conference this morning.

There are not many details about the interview, but the reporter who was supposed to cover the interview was handed another task. Hence the urgency. The email was sent late in the evening.

“Mabel, you were better than this; I'm so disappointed in you.”

“Sorry, Mr Fredd”

“Because of you, my department is left behind again. I'm being mocked by my colleagues.” I remained silent as I watched him lament.

“What do I do now? The interview must have begun already!” He slammed his palm on his desk.

“I'll head out right away with my team.” I excused myself and left before he could continue yelling.

I was a team leader of six.

My team was made up of three people from the news department including me,

and three people from the operation department who handled the camera, sound, and lightning.

Dylan was the editor on my team, and he's proven to be very useful over the past 3 years. I've only been a team leader for a year.

“Dylan, get everyone ready, we're leaving in 10.” I announced as I reached our workspace.

I went to my desk to pick up a few things I might need.

“There's someone here to see you,” Dylan said. I frowned, I wasn't expecting anyone and I didn't have the time to meet with people.

“Not now Dylan, there's too much to do.”

“The person looks like they could eat you up.” He added. I furrowed a brow.

“Who is it?” I asked out of curiosity.

“I can't tell you that, it spoils the fun.” He giggled. I rolled my eyes.

“When will you ever grow up?” I sighed in frustration. Then I headed to the reception to see who it was, just maybe they were worth my time.

I was met with a pair of bloodshot eyes! Oh no!